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Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics's XANTAR® Polycarbonate is a versatile thermoplastic resin that is suitable for a wide range of applications and can be converted using all common melt-processing techniques. The XANTAR® product line consists of general purpose and special grades.

Although the XANTAR® portfolio covers a very wide range of applications, specific requirements (e.g. special flame retardancy regulations, extreme temperatures) or processing techniques (e.g. blow moulding, extrusion or rotational moulding) can require fine-tuning or adaptation of a grade. This has resulted in a series of special tailor-made XANTAR® grades.
For example, for very high demands related to mechanical performance at both high and extreme low temperatures, as well as excellent long-term performance, the XANTAR XRM product line offers excellent solutions.
For extrusion applications, optimised grades are available for solid sheet, twin wall sheet and UV cap layer co-extrusion. Other special extrusion grades are suitable for applications where severe flame retardancy requirements have to be met.

For other applications, for instance where temperature requirements are less stringent, PC blends such as PC/ABS or PC/PET may provide excellent alternative possibilities.

GENERAL PURPOSE GRADES

These XANTAR® grades are available in a range of melt viscosities, from extremely low to very high, and with several additive packages (basic stabilized, steam resistant, mould release, UV stabilized). A general rule for polycarbonate is that the higher the melt viscosity of a grade, the better its (longterm) performance. When selecting the best suitable XANTAR® grade, it is important to find the optimum balance between processing characteristics (ease of processing, melt flowability) and performance (mechanical integrity and long term stability).

General purpose XANTAR® grades are self-extinguishing and are rated UL94 V-2 down to 0.75mm; for some special cases even down to 0.4mm.

XANTAR® grades are also available in versions approved for food contact.

FLAME RETARDANT (FR) GRADES

The self-extinguishing characteristics of XANTAR® can be further enhanced through the use of various flame retardant (FR) additive packages, none of which contain chlorine or bromine. There are two main XANTAR® FR grade ranges:

HIGH-FLOW FR GRADES

The XANTAR MX 1000 series is tailored for the requirements of office equipment (e.g. computer and monitor housings) and other electric and electronics applications (chargers, junction boxes, cartridges, etc). Besides high flow, good impact, UL94 V-0 at 1.5mm flammability, and excellent colour stability, these grades also meet requirements such as the glow-wire test at 960ºC at 1.5mm and the ball pressure test at 125ºC.

GLASS FIBER REINFORCED GRADES

The addition of glass fibers leads to increased stiffness and improved dimensional stability, while normally ductility is decreased. Glass fiber reinforcement is often combined with extra flame retardancy.
Reinforcement levels of between 10% and 40% glass fibers are offered, whereas grades with 20% reinforcement are available in various melt viscosities. If required, special high-flow versions are available as well.

STRESS CRACK RESISTANCE MODIFIED GRADES

In certain circumstances, brittle failure can occur in articles made from unmodified polycarbonate. Examples are: failure due to the presence of notches and/or the combination of chemicals (e.g. gasoline) with stresses. Modified XANTAR® grades are available with improved stress crack behaviour for those 'impact danger zone' situations.